Duty Free Lunch

By Pennsylvania State Education Association, PSEASociety & Culture Education Government

Duty Free Lunch episodes

March 04 Breaking down the budget: what the latest Shapiro budget proposal means for you
Aaron and Jeff are back with PSEA's Government Relations team to discuss the highs and lows for educators in Gov. Shapiro's 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget proposal.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min
February 18 Buried treasure in the schoolyard
Aaron and Rachael speak with Spring Grove teacher Jason Baker about his innovative anthropology and archaeology program, where students design civilizations, bury artifacts, and conduct real digs on school grounds. This hands-on elective sparks unforgettable "aha" moments and proves experiential learning still matters.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
23 min
February 04 The keystone moment: Becky Pringle on the power of PSEA members right now
NEA President Becky Pringle returns to "Duty Free Lunch" for a powerful and personal conversation about attacks on educators, the future of public education, and Pennsylvania’s outsized role in protecting democracy. From union advocacy and cellphone policy to joy, resilience, and a surprise reunion with a former student, this episode blends heart, humor, and urgency at a pivotal moment for schools and educators nationwide.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
34 min
January 21 Painting a path to success in career and technical education
Aaron and Rachael talk with Erick Leiva, a career and technical education instructor and graduate of Lancaster Career & Technology Center who’s helping students turn hands-on learning into real careers. From building confidence to landing jobs before graduation, Erick shares why CTC programs work, why funding and awareness matter, and why CTE is anything but a backup plan.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
23 min
January 07 Elections, advocacy, and the fight ahead with NEA's Mary Kusler
Aaron, Jeff, and Rachael are once again joined by Mary Kusler, Senior Director at NEA’s Center for Advocacy, to break down the 2025 election results and what they mean for educators heading into 2026. The conversation covers major wins for pro–public education candidates, Pennsylvania’s role as a key swing state, growing policy threats like Project 2025, and how sustained educator advocacy translates into real political power.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min
December 17, 2025 Podaversary reflections: 2025 in review and what lies ahead
As 2025 and a second year of podcasting come to a close, PSEA leaders look back at the year's highlights while gazing into their 2026 crystal ball. This past year tested our strength and showcased our collective power. From an epic state budget battle that ended with huge wins for public education, to record-setting member activism in a pivotal election, there's plenty to celebrate.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min
December 03, 2025 Podcast rewind: Managing stress as an educator
Take a breather this holiday season and listen to this "Duty Free Lunch" classic on effective stress management. Aaron and Jeff speak with subject experts Dorothy Morelli and Denine Goolsby about techniques you as an educator can use to keep your cool no matter what's happening around you. Don't miss this treasure trove of practical wisdom you can put to immediate use.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
27 min
November 19, 2025 PA's budget breakthrough is a big win for public schools
After months of delays and major strain on schools, the state finally has a budget. Aaron and Rachael bring in Government Relations experts Dan Wiedemer and Kelli Thompson to explain what it all means for PSEA members and their students.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min
November 12, 2025 How Club Hope helps students cope with loss
Aaron and Jeff sit down with Lisa Lehman and Jenn Mattucci from the Moon Area School District to talk about Club Hope, a student-led grief support group that’s helping kids heal after losing a loved one. What started with six students has grown into a thriving community built on compassion, connection, and the belief that no one should face grief alone. Lisa and Jenn share how their own experiences inspired the club, how students have embraced it, and how educators across Pennsylvania can bring this kind of support to their own schools.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
22 min
October 29, 2025 A conversation with Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta
Aaron and Rachael welcome their first lawmaker to the podcast, State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic voices for working families. Listen as they dig into the ongoing state budget battle, the future of public education funding, and what keeps Rep. Kenyatta hopeful in today’s highly charged political climate.
Do you have some feedback for us? Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more and watch for upcoming episodes at psea.org/podcast.
HOSTS
PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
PSEA Treasurer: Rachael West
EPISODE CREDITS
Written and produced by David Constantin
Recorded and edited by David Arva
LINKS
Send an email to [email protected].
Learn more at psea.org/podcast.
26 min

About Duty Free Lunch

From the publisher's feed

Duty Free Lunch is the official podcast of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Join us as we unpack the issues that matter most to Pennsylvania educators and especially PSEA members. From…